Misinformation

How is misinformation defined?

The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security defines misinformation as, “refers to false information that is not intended to cause harm”. They go one step further to also define disinformation as, “refers to false information that is intended to manipulate, cause damage and guide people, organizations and countries in the wrong direction”. Lastly they define malinformation as, “refers to information that stems from the truth but is often exaggerated in a way that misleads and causes potential harm”.

Almost 75% of Canadians had seen content online that they thought to be false or inaccurate.

  • Youth can encounter misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation (MDM) in a variety of extremely common online spaces and platforms, including:

    • Social Media Sites: Viral content can spread false information quickly, often in the form of memes, videos, or posts that are engaging but inaccurate.

    • Video Sharing Sites: Videos may include biased opinions, conspiracy theories, or pseudoscientific claims disguised as facts.

    • Messaging Apps: Private group chats and forwarded messages can share unchecked information rapidly, often without scrutiny.

    • Online Forums and Communities: Anonymous or pseudonymous platforms can become hubs for spreading disinformation, especially in controversial or politicized topics.

    • Gaming Platforms: Chat features and communities may expose youth to harmful narratives or misleading information, often spread peer-to-peer.

    • Search Engines: Incomplete or outdated information can appear legitimate, and algorithmic biases might prioritize sensational or misleading content.

    • News Aggregators and News Outlets: Websites that mimic credible sources but spread misinformation can be mistaken for legitimate news outlets.

    • Educational Platforms: User-generated content on platforms like Quizlet or YouTube EDU may contain errors or misrepresentations of facts.

    • Advertising and Sponsored Content: Misleading ads or clickbait headlines often target youth with sensational claims or manipulative narratives.

    It goes without saying that MDM can be found virtually anywhere online. To address these risks, youth should be taught critical thinking skills, media literacy, and strategies to verify the credibility of information sources. This includes cross-referencing multiple sources, fact-checking, and recognizing common signs of manipulation or bias.

  • Misinformation (False but Not Intentional):

    • A meme with an incorrect fact or statistic.

    • A post misinterpreting a scientific study or event.

    • Unverified health tips shared on platforms like Instagram or Facebook.

    Disinformation (Deliberately False and Misleading):

    • Fake news articles on illegitimate websites.

    • Edited videos or photos misrepresenting events (e.g., deepfakes).

    • Coordinated campaigns to spread false narratives about elections, vaccines, or social movements.

    Malinformation (True Information Used with Malicious Intent):

    • Leaking private emails or photos to discredit someone.

    • Sharing incomplete quotes or statistics to paint a distorted picture.

    • Weaponizing historical events to stoke division or fear.

  • In Canada, legal consequences for youth spreading misinformation, disinformation, or malinformation (MDM) depend on the context and intent of the action, as well as applicable laws:

    • Criminal Code of Canada: Spreading false information that causes harm to individuals or groups can fall under criminal defamation laws. For example, knowingly spreading falsehoods to harm someone’s reputation could result in charges, fines, or imprisonment.

    • Elections Act: Misinformation intended to influence election outcomes, such as spreading false statements about candidates, could result in penalties, including fines or imprisonment. However, courts have challenged some provisions of this law for infringing on free expression rights.

    • Civil Consequences: Victims of misinformation may sue for damages under defamation laws if the statements cause reputational or financial harm. This is more likely for cases involving private disputes or targeted harm.

    • Hate Speech and Harmful Content Laws: If MDM incites hatred, discrimination, or violence against identifiable groups, it could violate hate speech provisions in the Criminal Code or human rights legislation.

    • Online Harms Legislation (Proposed): Bill C-63, the Online Harms Act, aims to address harmful online behaviors, including misinformation. It would impose duties on platforms to manage harmful content, and violators (including users) could face enforcement actions once the law is finalized.

    Youth engaging in such activities are subject to these laws, though juvenile justice considerations, like education and rehabilitation, may mitigate severe penalties. Awareness and education are critical to prevent such legal consequences.

    Legal consequences for behaviours vary significantly between countries and even within local jurisdictions. Always check your regional and federal laws to understand the specific regulations and penalties in your area.

How to recognize a victim of MDM?

Misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation (MDM) can take many forms, and its signs may not always be immediately apparent. Here are some key indicators to help you identify if someone might be engaging with or affected by MDM:

    • Mood Swings: A youth may exhibit irritability, anger, or sadness, often linked to the confusion or stress caused by exposure to manipulative or harmful content.

    • Increased Anxiety or Fear: They might feel overwhelmed or anxious about what is true or false, particularly when exposed to fear-inducing disinformation.

    • Withdrawal: Avoidance of social interactions and decreased participation in usual activities can stem from feelings of disillusionment or mistrust.

    • Low Self-Esteem: Expressions of shame, embarrassment, or self-doubt may result from believing harmful narratives or being ridiculed for sharing misinformation.

    • Avoidance of Conversations: They may become defensive when questioned about their online activities or the sources of their beliefs.

    • Sleep Disturbances: Exposure to alarming or distressing false information can result in nightmares or trouble sleeping.

    • Disrupted Focus on Interests: A sudden obsession with discussing or acting upon false narratives, neglecting age-appropriate hobbies or activities.

    • Spreading Misinformation: Sharing unverified or false information on social media platforms or in group chats.

    • Secretive Activity: Increased use of encrypted messaging apps or reluctance to disclose online sources.

    • Over-reliance on Dubious Sources: Preferring questionable websites, echo chambers, or influencers to credible outlets.

    • Drop in Grades: A noticeable dip in grades tied to distraction or distress from consuming and acting on misinformation.

    • Lack of Focus: Difficulty staying attentive in class due to preoccupation with manipulated narratives.

    • Reduced Participation: Avoidance of academic discussions, especially when their beliefs are challenged.

    • Psychosomatic Symptoms: Increased physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches linked to stress or fear from disturbing content.

    • Visible Fatigue: Persistent tiredness from late-night engagement with unreliable sources or discussions.

    • Nervous Habits: Signs of unease, such as nail-biting or fidgeting, which may reflect internal conflict.

These signs may not always indicate the use of online gambling but are worth addressing with empathy and support. Encourage open communication and connect victims with resources for help.

What can you do?

If you or someone you know is affected by misinformation, disinformation, or malinformation (MDM), taking informed and proactive steps can make a significant impact. Here’s how parents, youth, and bystanders can address the issue effectively:

    • Foster Open Communication: Encourage your child to share their online experiences and discuss questionable or confusing information they encounter. Let them know it’s safe to ask questions without fear of judgment.

    • Teach Critical Thinking: Help your child evaluate online content critically. Teach them to check sources, question sensational claims, and identify biased or false information.

    • Set Online Boundaries: Establish rules about trusted websites and credible platforms. Discuss the risks of blindly sharing or engaging with unverified information.

    • Monitor and Guide: Use parental controls to guide your child’s online activity without overstepping. Regularly discuss the content they consume to ensure they understand its validity.

    • Act When Necessary: If your child has been affected by misinformation, disinformation, or malinformation (MDM), take proactive steps to clarify the truth, report harmful content, and provide emotional support if needed.

    • Ask Questions: If you come across confusing or questionable information online, talk to a trusted adult. Seeking clarification is the first step toward understanding.

    • Don’t Share Without Checking: Avoid sharing content that seems exaggerated, emotionally manipulative, or poorly sourced. Verify its authenticity first.

    • Learn to Spot Red Flags: Be cautious of clickbait headlines, suspicious links, and overly emotional appeals. Trust reliable sources over random social media posts.

    • Protect Your Privacy: Avoid interacting with strangers spreading questionable information. Keep your personal details private and adjust privacy settings on social platforms.

    • Be Supportive: If a friend shares or believes false information, encourage them to verify facts and offer to help find credible sources together.

    • Don’t Spread the Problem: Refrain from sharing or reacting to MDM content, even if you disagree with it. Amplifying harmful information only increases its reach.

    • Speak Up Constructively: If you notice someone sharing false information, kindly point them toward credible resources without being confrontational.

    • Report Harmful Content: Use reporting tools on social media platforms to flag false or harmful posts. Most platforms allow anonymous reporting to protect your identity.

Where to get help?

Kids Help Phone: A 24/7 confidential support service for youth. Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.

Cybertip.ca: Canada’s national tipline for reporting online exploitation.

Local Law Enforcement: If a crime has been committed, contact your local law enforcement directly.